Ice tray



A. c. FISCHER Aug. 4, 1936.

ICE TRAY Filed Feb. 15, 1932 Patented Aug. 4, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ICE TRAY Albert C. Fischer, Chicago, Ill.

Application February 15, 1932, Serial No. 593,025

6 Claims. (Cl. 62-4085) This invention relates to ice trays which are used in mechanical refrigeration, and particularly pertains to a novel and improved ice tray whereby ice cubes may be formed and readily released for use.

The invention consists in the features, combinations and processes hereinafter described or claimed, for carrying out the above stated objects and such other objects as will hereinafter appear.

Ice trays now in use comprise a shallow pan in which a frame member is adapted to be inserted-for dividing the single space of the pan into several small spaces whereby ice will be formed in the shape of small cubes. The frame member is usually of a size to fit snugly within the pan and be flush with its top surface. The pan is then filled with water which when frozen will almost completely embed the frame within the ice. To remove the ice cubes, the pan and contents are warmed to release the cubes and frame from the pan and then the frame member is further warmed to release the cubes or as many of them as may be desired. By the time that the desired number of cubes have been obtained, it usually happens that all the cubes are then separated from the frame member.

It is the aim of the present invention to make the tray of such construction that the cubes may be quickly released from both the pan and the frame member, and also that parts of the cubes may be released without disturbing all the cubes in the tray.

For a better understanding of the invention reference may 'be made to the accompanying drawing, in which;

Figs. 1 and 2 are different perspective views of one embodiment of the invention; and

Figs. 3 and 4 are perspective views of another embodiment.

Referring to the drawing, numeral 2 designates (Figs. 1 and 2) a pan having one or more individual compartments 3 of any shape extending longitudinally. Each of the compartments is provided with a closure lid 4, hinged at 5, having any number of fins 6 attached thereto whereby the chambers of the compartments may be divided into smaller spaces. When it is desired to remove the cubes from any one of the compartments, the lid may be lifted and tilted back with the cubes clinging thereto and left to stand for a short time, after which the cubes will be released and will drop back into the compartments. They may then be easily picked out and used.

In the modification illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 the pan 1 is of substantially the same general construction as the above described pan 2 in Figs. 1 and 2. It may contain one or more compartments 8 of any shape into which water may be placed for freezing. The compartments are divided into separate spaces by means of fins 9 attached to lids Ill. The lids may each be hinged to the tray as in the previously described embodiment or they may be detached and of flexible material, such as thin metal or of some composition such as rubber. Likewise the fins may also be formed of the flexible material. One of the advantages of having the lids and/ or fins of flexible material is that they may be flexed to accelerate release of the cubes.

While I have shown preferred embodiments typifying the invention for the purpose of illustration, and described them in detail, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereby. Various changes may be made in details of construction without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. An ice tray for refrigerators comprising an elongated pan, a lid for closing the pan, fins pro- 20 jecting from the lid for dividing the pan into smaller spaces, and means for supporting the lid in open position relative to the pan whereby the ice cubes are adapted to be released and dropped in the pan. f

2. An ice tray for refrigerators comprising a pan having two or more separate compartments, lid cover means for closing the compartments, means for pivotally attaching the lid cover means to the pan and fins attached to the lid cover means for dividing each of the compartments into smaller spaces.

3. An ice tray for refrigerators comprising a pan having two or more separate compartments, lid cover means hinged to the pan for closing the compartments, and fins attached to the lid cover means for dividing each of the compartments into smaller spaces.

4. An ice tray for refrigerators comprising a pan having two or more separate compartments, lid 'cover means hinged to the pan for closing the compartments, and finsattached to the lid cover means for dividing one of the compartments into smaller spaces.

5. An ice tray for refrigerators comprising a pan having two or more separate compartments and separate lids attached to the pan for closing each of the individual compartments.

6. An ice tray for refrigerators comprising an elongated pan smooth on its inside, cover means hinged to the pan for closing same, and fins projecting from the cover means and when closed extending substantially to the bottom and sides of the pan for dividing the pan into smaller spaces, said pan being so shaped as to permit the hinging movement of said cover means with the fins thereon.

ALBERT C. FISCHER. 

